IMACEC

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The Monthly Economic Activity Index (Imacec) is an estimate that summarizes the activity of the different branches of the economy in a given month, at prices from the previous year; its inter-annual variation constitutes an approximation of GDP evolution. The calculation of the Monthly Economic Activity Index is based on multiple supply indicators, which are weighted by the share of economic activities in the previous year’s GDP.

The Monthly Economic Activity Index is published on the first business day of each month taking into account a lag of 31 days in relation to the month being measured. In addition to this, a breakdown is published which distinguishes mining from all other activities —mining and non-mining series—, as well as the series at factor cost. All series are presented in both original and seasonally adjusted figures.

Consistent with the established publication policy, the Monthly Economic Activity Index series are revised along with the quarterly and annual national accounts.

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January 2026’s monthly index of economic activity, Imacec

According to preliminary information, last January the Imacec fell 0.1% with respect to the same month the previous year (Table 1). The seasonally adjusted series rose 0.2% compared to the previous month and 0.5% in twelve months. January 2026 came with one less working day than January 2025.

The Imacec result was explained by a decline in goods production, which was partially offset by the performance of services (Figure 1). The latter, meanwhile, drove the Imacec result in deseasonalized terms (Figure 2).

The non-mining Imacec showed no annual variation, though in deseasonalized terms it grew 0.1% from the month before and 0.7% over twelve months.

Imacec analysis by activity

1. Goods production

Goods production fell 1.5% annually, influenced by its every component. The manufacturing Industry saw lower production of chemical and food products, while the decline in other goods was explained by agricultural and forestry activity. Mining declined in line with lower copper ore extraction.

In seasonally adjusted terms, goods production fell by 0.7% compared to the previous month, mainly driven by other goods.

2. Trade

Trading activity increased by 0.4% in annual terms. This result was driven by retail and automotive trade, which was partially offset by lower wholesale sales. In the former, higher sales were seen in grocery stores, specialized clothing establishments, and online sales platforms. Automotive trade, meanwhile, grew in line with vehicle sales. Finally, wholesale trade fell due to lower food sales, particularly by fruit exporters.

Seasonally adjusted figures posted a contraction of 0.1% compared to the previous month, owing mainly to wholesale trade.

3. Services

Services increased by 1.4% in annual terms, mainly due to the performance of personal services, particularly healthcare.

Seasonally adjusted figures showed growth of 0.8% compared to the previous month, driven by personal services.

According to the calendar for the publication of National Accounts figures, the GDP estimate for 2025 and the revisions for 2023 and 2024 will be released on Wednesday, 18 March. The Imacec series will be revised to account for the new figures.